Upbeat Theophane eyes Mexican mission

Ashley Theophane features on the undercard of Ricky Hatton’s return to the ring later this month – after which his next port of call could be Mexico.

The Kilburn man will face Chris Truman at the Manchester Arena on November 24, when former world champion Hatton, who is coming out of retirement, takes on Vyacheslav Senchenko.

Theophane was expected to meet Venezuela’s Johan Perez, ranked number six by the World Boxing Association, but the deal fell through.

The clash with Truman, from Birmingham, will be Theophane’s first fight in the UK since a surprise defeat against Darren Hamilton saw him lose the British light-welterweight title in May.

He bounced back with a victory in the United States, where he has been based for much of his career.

A showdown with Perez could still happen in the future, while there has also been talk of a fight against Senchenko – himself an ex-world champion.

And Lenny Daws, the man he beat to win the British title, recently won the European crown, possibly paving the way for a rematch.

But Theophane, who has also boxed in Germany and St Lucia, plans to carry on globe-trotting in 2013, with Mexico a possible destination.

He told West London Sport: “Daws now has the EBU belt, so maybe that could happen. I’ve fought on shows by Mick Hennessy, his promoter, in the past.

“But to be honest, there aren’t too many fighters in Britain I’d be looking at. I’m more interested in fighting on the international stage.

“There was Perez, and maybe that fight could be made. Plus I’ve been speaking to a promoter in Mexico and there could be a chance to fight there.

“Then you’ve got Senchenko. If Ricky wins that fight, which I expect him to, then a fight could be made there too.

“I’ve fought around the world and have shown I’m willing to travel, and that’s still the case.”

Theophane must first dispose of Truman, who lost to Daws on points earlier this year but produced a performance which suggested he should not be taken lightly.

“I’ve don’t know that much about him but he lost a decision to Daws and many ringside observers felt he won that,” Theophane said.

“That tells you he’s a decent fighter and I’m going to have to be 100% on my game to beat him, which I will be.

“I’m looking to get the victory and then push on in 2013. If I can get a knockout then great, but the main thing is getting that victory.”

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